Maxwell Cornet has been impressing at Lyon since being deployed at left-back, drawing attention from pundits such as Franck Leboeuf and Jean-Louis Touré. Following Lyon’s 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, the RMC analysts heaped praise on the Ivorian winger, noting his defensive contributions, tactical awareness, and ability to influence the game from a deeper position.
Leboeuf went further, making a surprising suggestion: “You should stay at left-back. You’d have a better chance of making the French national team.” The comment immediately caught Cornet off guard, prompting a simple but firm response from the player: “I am an Ivorian international.” His reply underscored his commitment to representing the Ivory Coast, despite speculation about his potential eligibility for France.
The pundits’ remarks quickly sparked debate on social media, with many users ridiculing the suggestion and questioning the logic behind recommending a change in national allegiance based purely on positional play. Cornet’s clarification was widely supported, as fans highlighted both his loyalty and his contributions to the Ivorian national team over the past two years.
Cornet’s performances at left-back have indeed been notable. Traditionally an attacking winger, he has adapted seamlessly to a more defensive role, demonstrating versatility, stamina, and tactical intelligence. His ability to combine defensive solidity with offensive support has not only strengthened Lyon’s backline but also showcased his adaptability as a player capable of thriving in multiple positions.
The praise from Leboeuf and Touré reflects the broader recognition of Cornet’s form, though their suggestion about switching national teams was widely seen as ill-advised. Instead, Cornet’s focus remains on his role at Lyon and his continued contributions to the Ivory Coast, where he has become an increasingly important figure.
Fans and analysts alike now see Cornet as a model of positional flexibility, capable of making an impact both defensively and offensively. His success at left-back adds depth to Lyon’s squad while reaffirming his value to the Ivorian national team. The debate sparked by the pundits also serves to highlight Cornet’s rising profile in European football and the respect he commands as a professional committed to his country.
